(This is part rant about a pet peeve and part me begging the void to consider critical thinking when having these conversations.) By "sexualization" I mean the actual word. I would add "the word not the concept," except the actual issue is I'm not sure what the concept of "sexualization" even is. Like, I keep seeing posts talking about it, but like, what do people mean when they say this? No, seriously, what do you mean? It's always something negative, but I'm not sure what it means 99% of the time because it's that vague and can mean so many different things, some of which are valid conversations and some of which are nonsense. Like, yes, when it's used to describe a situation where any idol is forced to sing about sex if they don't want to, no matter their age or gender--yes, that's wrong, because there is no consent. Sex is intimate and deeply personal, and up to each individual to decide how to express it. It's also wrong when minors who don't understand what they're being asked to sing about at the same level as an adult ask the listeners to look at their cookie. Ditto when an MV with a bunch of minors buying a condom that the label insists is candy comes out. It's good to criticize explicitly sexual concepts for artists under 18. But beyond that, I've seen the term used to attack fans for interpretations of songs as well as idols for what they post, wear, and sing about. It baffles me because the majority of adults do like sex and expressing some degree of sexuality, so it's fair to assume adult idols, especially those over 20, aren't forced into a sexual concept/singing sexy lyrics/posting thirst traps unless someone says something to the contrary. At the same time, it is true that the entertainment industry as a whole is rife with abuse of all kinds, including of a sexual nature, so it's important to be aware, not ignore red flags, and call out abuse when it's brought to light. Yet the assumption that anything alluding to sex is a sign of abuse is purity rhetoric that shuts down all conversation and thus could make it easier, not harder, for people to get away with abuse and exploitation. See exhibit A: churches. So what really is the complaint with "sexualization?" Is it the inherent idea of associating something with sex that wasn't intended to be? That's the most literal take on what "sexualization" means. Fair convo to have, but doesn't the rightness or wrongness depend very much on what that thing is, who's doing it, and how it's being done? So less the sexy part that's the problem, but more the context. Is it objectification? Because that's a far more specific word and complaint that encompasses more than just sexuality, and doesn't run the risk of shaming sexual attraction. Sexual attraction is normal, natural, and something most humans will experience, and should learn how to express in a healthy way (ie, not objectification). If someone acts entitled to another's sexual expressions, that's objectification. Is it idols posting a thirst trap or shirtless pic? Because idols are hot and they know it, and again, most people like being thought of as sexy and attractive. Fans loving it is probably what they want. Which isn't the same thing as saying "please leave graphic details of what you'd do to me in my comments" (which is harassment/objectification). But seeing fans post sweating emojis is not that. Is it oversaturation of sexual concepts? Because we can have a conversation about that, but I'd argue that's not the case. Is it the double standards between idols being praised for singing lyrics with fairly explicit instructions about how to please them while also writing a handwritten apology note for actually dating? That does make it seem like sexuality is exploited for capital gain while actual sexuality is shamed and is a conversation that should be had. Is it capitalism wherein companies know sexuality can bring them attention and thus money? Fair conversation with layers to it. Sex does sell, for better and for worse. Is it wrong to use it to sell music inherently if an idol wants to use it? (There's not a right or a wrong answer here, and this idea reflects on consumers as well as companies because there are layers that tie into creative control and the like.) Is it the double standard between male idols singing about sex and grabbing their crotches during dances while female idols who do what Hwasa did are called crude and investigated? Is it culturally something that isn't going to appeal to everyone? That's also fine to be like "hey, not for me" without thinking it is something no one should be allowed to do. Is it just that being provocative comes across as tacky? That's an opinion that's fine to have, but not a moral imperative. If you're not hurting anyone and you're of age, be provocative if you want. I don't care and I'll look away if it icks me out. Is it that sexuality is often tied to maturity and shouldn't necessarily be? Fair, though again, it is a part of coming of age for a lot of adults, even most. At the same time, the expectation of (and potential resulting demand for) this can create problems that pressure people into something they may not want to perform. Is it fans theorizing potential sexual meanings to songs? Sex is a popular topic in music because it's, y'know, often tied to emotions. Most adults like sex, so why is alluding to a very common experience inherently "dirty," and why is it a problem if fans interpret lyrics this way regardless of the writer's intention, since applying music consumption to a listener's own experiences is one of the most common ways to experience music? Anyways, these are only some of the many layered topics that can't really be grouped under one umbrella of "sexualization" yet I've seen every one of these discussed with "sexualization" as the culprit when the reality is and issues themselves are much more nuanced. If people want to discuss problems with how sexuality is expressed, which is very valid, I wish they would use specific wording that doesn't fall back on vague all-encompassing umbrellas with little actual concrete meaning. That avoids shaming people who like sex (again, the majority of adults do like it, though it is just as normal not to and shouldn't be shamed either). It also specifies the conversation so that it's not just sex=bad, but instead includes context about why something may or may not be problematic. Is this going to change? No, probably not. submitted by /u/lilysjasmine92 [link] [comments]
